Friday, January 23, 2026

Watch and Pray: Staying Sharp in a Confusing World

In this crazy time we’re living in, the call to stay alert has never been more pressing. Everywhere you look, there’s a mix of truth and lies, growth and stagnation. As you navigate this chaotic blend, I want to encourage you to adopt a watchman’s heart. You need to stand guard against the distractions and falsehoods that are trying to sneak in.

Spotting Deception All Around Us

Take a moment to look around. Social media is buzzing with influencers promising wisdom and success, but how often do those promises just lead to chaos? Are you aware of how these distractions can pull you into a cycle of falling behind? Think about those who chase every new trend only to find themselves lost in endless cycles of frustration. Aren’t those the folks who, despite all their hustle, forget the real foundation of their goals?

Small compromises seem harmless at first, but they can quickly become major issues. You’ve got to ask yourself: what’s the cost of chasing after the wrong things? If you gain the whole world and lose your peace of mind, what’s the point?

The Danger of Doing Nothing

You might think you can just sit back and watch. But let me tell you, inaction can be dangerous. When you stay silent in the face of confusion, you’re not just being passive—you’re playing a risky game. Remember how often silence has been confused with agreement? How many times have we stood by while our communities suffered, thinking someone else would step up?

This is your wake-up call: complacency isn’t harmless; it’s a foe pretending to be your friend. Have you noticed how easy it is to ignore problems around you, hoping they’ll just fix themselves?

Let’s Get Spiritual

Here’s the thing: letting yourself be complacent clouds your vision. If you see the world as a place of light and dark, remember that sitting on the fence is still a choice—one that can lead you into darkness. Now’s the time to make a conscious choice.

So what’s your next move? Will you be an observer, or will you step up and join the divine plan unfolding around you? The choice is yours, and it’s powerful. Equip yourself with discernment, and don’t shy away from the hard truths that challenge your comfort zone.

Your Call to Action

As we move forward, stay grounded in your purpose. Be bold enough to challenge what’s wrong, and lift others up along the way. Your journey is not just for you; it creates waves that impact those around you.

So here’s my challenge to you: Watch as well as pray! Acknowledge any signs of backsliding in your life and confront them head-on. Stand firm in truth while helping others to step into the light. Your actions today could lead to healing and transformation tomorrow.

Go ahead, embrace this moment with intention! The world might be noisy, but the light within you is far louder. Let it shine bright!

Check out more here on Face Your Foe like this post on confronting a liar, see here. 

Saturday, January 10, 2026

Fasting, Feasting, and Facing the Foe in 2026

Alright, warriors, the tinsel's down, the eggnog's gone, and January is here. For many of us, that means one thing: resolutions. But let's be honest, how many of those last past, say, the second week? This year, let’s face our real foe: the one that keeps us from lasting change, from genuine spiritual growth.

I know some of you are diving headfirst into a spiritual fast right now. Churches are doing the January thing [1][2]. Maybe you're giving up sugar, social media, or that third cup of coffee. Good for you. Seriously. But let's make sure we're not just going through the motions. Fasting isn't about showing off how "holy" we are; it's about drawing closer to God [3].

Remember what Isaiah said? "‘Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?" (Isaiah 58:5, NIV) [4]. Ouch. That hits home, doesn't it?

Fasting, at its core, is about focus. It's about intentionally removing distractions so we can hear God's voice more clearly. It's about humbling ourselves and acknowledging our need for Him. It's not a spiritual diet plan to earn brownie points with our Lord.

But here's the thing: fasting without feasting is just deprivation. We can't just empty ourselves; we need to be filled. And that's where the Word comes in.

Instead of scrolling through endless feeds, crack open your Bible. Instead of numbing out with another episode, spend time in prayer. Feast on God's promises, His truth, His unwavering love.

Here are some verses to chew on during this time:

  • Joel 2:12-13 (NIV): "'Even now,' declares the Lord, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.' Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity." [5][6]
  • Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV): "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be obvious to others, but only to your Father, who is in secret; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." [3][6]
  • Isaiah 58:6-7 (NIV): "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide shelter for the homeless—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?" [3][4]

So, as we kick off 2026, let's face our foe head-on. Let's fast with purpose, feast on truth, and live out our faith in a way that truly honors God.

Now go get 'em, warriors.

Learn more:

  1. 21 Days of Prayer + Fasting - The Foursquare Church
  2. 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting - Jesus Culture Sacramento
  3. 20 Powerful Bible verses about Fasting and Prayer (Insightful!) - Christian Walls
  4. Isaiah 58 NIV - True Fasting - “Shout it aloud, do - Bible Gateway
  5. 40 Scriptures for a 40 Day Fast - Wendy Speake
  6. 40 Bible Verses About Fasting and Scripture Guidelines

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